Head-to-head · US prices checked November 9, 2026
Of 7 decided criteria, the Halo Collar 5 wins 6 and the SpotOn Nova wins 1, on official specs and plan prices.
6 criteria won · $524, $844 over 3 years
1 criterion won · $999, $1,281 over 3 years
Short answer: choose the Halo Collar 5 ($524) for a smaller yard, a lower up-front price and live tracking in the box, as long as you accept a monthly plan (about $844 over three years). Choose the SpotOn Nova ($999) if you never want a subscription or your cell signal is weak: its fence runs on GPS alone.
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The better stated figure on each line is highlighted (7 lines can be compared); if either maker does not state a value, the line is left undecided. The 3-year cost adds 36 months of plan at the cheapest billing cycle, at US prices checked on November 9, 2026.
| Criterion | Halo Collar 5 | SpotOn Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Calculated scoreBetter: the highest | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Device priceBetter: the lowest | $524 | $999 |
| 3-year costBetter: the lowest | $844 | $1,281 |
| SubscriptionBetter: not required | Required, from $8.74/mo | Optional (tracking only) |
| Type | GPS dog fence | GPS dog fence |
| Containment | Custom shapes, several fences | Custom shapes, several fences |
| Fences | Unlimited on the collar (5 on Bronze, 20 on Silver, unlimited on Gold) | Unlimited, any shape, with keep-out zones |
| GPS hardware | Dual-frequency | Dual-frequency |
| Live tracking | Live, cellular | Live, with optional plan |
| Battery lifeBetter: the longest | 48 h | 33 h |
| Boundary cues | Tone + vibration, static optional | Tone + vibration, static optional |
| Smallest dogBetter: the smallest | 10 lb | 15 lb |
| Neck size | 8 to 30.5 in | 10 to 26 in |
| Smallest yardBetter: the smallest | 900 sq ft | 1/3 acre |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67, -30 to 120+ °F |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Return window | 90 days | 90 days |
These are the two brands most people hesitate between, and they made opposite bets. Halo sells a cheaper collar and a required Pack Membership that pays for tracking, the app and Precision+ corrections. SpotOn sells an expensive collar with a dual-band receiver and lets the fence work with no plan at all; tracking is the optional extra.
The yard decides more than the price. Halo draws fences from 900 sq ft; SpotOn recommends 1/3 acre and at least 80 ft at the narrowest point, because its warning tone starts about 10 ft inside the line. Halo also fits smaller dogs (from 10 lb against 15 lb) and Halo rates it for longer per charge (48 hours against SpotOn's 33+).
The right choice depends on your dog, your yard and the monthly bill you accept. Here is who should buy which.
Over three years the Halo Collar 5 costs $844 against $1,281 for the SpotOn Nova, device and plan included, at prices checked on November 9, 2026.
Read the review ↗Halo Collar 5 scores 9.2/10 against 8.8/10 overall: the better all-rounder.
Read the review ↗The SpotOn Nova works with no subscription; the Halo Collar 5 needs a Pack Membership Bronze to keep working.
Read the review ↗Halo says the Halo Collar 5 fits dogs from 10 lb; the SpotOn Nova starts at 15 lb.
Read the review ↗The Halo Collar 5 supports yards from 900 sq ft, against 1/3 acre for the SpotOn Nova.
Read the review ↗Halo states 48 h per charge for the Halo Collar 5, against 33 h for the SpotOn Nova.
Read the review ↗The Halo Collar 5 for most owners: it scores higher overall (9.2 vs 8.8/10). Your yard and your dog can still flip it: see the picks by profile on this page.
The Halo Collar 5 needs a Pack Membership Bronze (from $8.74/mo). The SpotOn Nova works without a plan; live tracking needs the optional plan. Plan prices as of November 9, 2026.
The Halo Collar 5: $844 against $1,281 over 36 months, device and plan included, at the cheapest published billing cycle. Try your own numbers in the [3-year cost calculator](/tools/gps-dog-fence-cost-calculator/).
The Halo Collar 5, rated for dogs from 10 lb against 15 lb.